The Observer - February 25 by oxfordobserver

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fromthe Publishers

Welcome to the February issue of the Observer.

Well the summer weather we had hoped for hasn’t quite eventuated yet. Hopefully February holds promise of some sun and heat! I know our vegetable garden is struggling with courgettes going mouldy on the plant, and tomatoes taking their time to ripen! Fingers crossed for some brighter weather for the last month of summer.

The Wheels with Wings event put on by the Oxford & Districts Lions and the Oxford Community Trust was another great event for the community and we have some photos from the day on page 14.

We often chat to people who have lived in Oxford for some time and have not visited the Oxford Museum. Oxford is lucky to have such a fantastic museum which is full of local history - and run by an extremely knowledgeable group of volunteers. There are some new displays so why not pop in this summer. Check out page 18 for a taste of some of the items on display.

We hope you enjoy this issue. Remember to get in touch if you have a story you would like us to consider, or if you would like to advertise your business or event. info@oxfordobserver.co.nz.

Bruce & Emily.

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EDITOR

Emily Chapman ENQUIRIES

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Rangiora Mega Mitre 10 Ranfurly Roses Waimakariri

22 FEBRUARY 2025 1-4PM

Every year, Rose Society members from around the South Island come together to compete in their own version of a Ranfurly Shield.

This year, the event will take place in the Rangiora Showgrounds, 156 Ashley Street, Rangiora and will be open to the public from 1-4pm.

The event involves members bringing their best roses and displaying them for the club under classes such as a variety of ‘rose in three stages of development’, single blooms in specific stages of opening (exhibition, decorative and fully open), vases of roses and rose arrangements with other vegetation/flowers.

Most of the roses will be named so if you like a particular variety then you can take note of the name to buy it in the future.

As part of the event, there will be some amazing raffles (including one for accommodation and a tour of the Silverstream Alpaca Farm).

There will also be roses propagated by members for sale.

One of the members has kindly offered to have an open garden in West Eyreton with over 300 roses, (many named) from 1-3pm with a cover cost of $10. Tea and coffee will be available as part of the visit.

Members of the Canterbury Rose Society will be available at the hall to discuss anything to do with roses.

The Canterbury Rose Society is an active group with monthly meetings, rose shows throughout the blooming season and regular speakers and outings. For those not interested in showing, there are experienced members to help with planting and rose health advice.

U-Drive Youth Mentor Programme Receives Funding Boost from Mainpower Community Fund

The U-Drive Youth Mentor Programme, an initiative aimed at training young drivers in the Oxford community, has received a much-needed boost in funding from the Mainpower Community Fund. This funding will assist in the continued operation of the programme, ensuring that it can continue to meet the needs of local youth.

Established by the Oxford Community Trust over a decade ago, U-Drive has been instrumental in helping young people transition from restricted licences to full licences. The programme was originally set up to address the unique challenges faced by the community. For many parents, teaching their children to drive is not always an option due to time constraints, or having company vehicles. In a rural area like Oxford, where access to education, recreation, and employment opportunities often requires reliable transportation, the ability to drive is a necessity.

U-Drive pairs students with mentors who guide them through the process of becoming safe and confident drivers. Additionally, students benefit from mock tests and assessments conducted by Julia Graham, a qualified driving instructor. The Oxford Community Trust also owns a dedicated vehicle for the programme, which students can use for lessons and their driving tests if needed. The recent grant from Mainpower will help cover the programme’s costs, ensuring that it remains accessible to those who need it most.

Support is provided to participants every step of the way, right up until they pass their driving test.

Programme coordinator Julia Graham expressed her gratitude for the funding, saying, “We are so grateful to Mainpower for supporting us financially, which means we can support the young people of Oxford to be safe drivers on our roads.”

Julia is on the lookout for some new mentors, so if you have a few hours to spare a week and would be interested you can get in touch with her at julia@oxfordtrust.co.nz, or 021 995 942, or get in touch with her if you would like to enquire about going on the programme. You must have your Learner’s Licence already to join the programme.

*in one transaction, while stocks last

New Tree Cutting Service

'Mechan Arb' Launches in Oxford

Oxford has welcomed back Sam Schurink, who has returned to the district with a new tree-cutting service MechanArb. After spending several years living in Marlborough, Sam is back in his hometown with a Hiab-based Total Tree Control system, offering precision and safety in tree removal.

With years of experience operating heavy machinery in his previous roles, Sam has now applied his expertise to his new business. His Total Tree Control system has significant reach and control, making it ideal for working in tight or complex spaces such as around buildings, fencing, or even over the tops of structures. The system is the first of its kind in the South Island and allows control of the tree through the entire process, from cutting to carefully placing it, ensuring minimal risk of damage and maximum efficiency.

When Sam isn’t busy working, you’ll likely find him out hunting, fishing, or tramping. He shares, “I feel more grounded being back in Oxford; it just feels like home.”

Mechan Arb is available for tree reduction, one off tree removals, pruning of hedges and shelter belts.

with Louize Juniper

Recipe of the month.

ROAST STONE FRUIT CHICKEN

With an abundance of stone fruit around at this time of year, it’s fab to use not only in baking but amazing on the BBQ, pizzas and shoved into a burger!

Feeds 4-6

Ingredients

4-6 Boneless chicken thighs

Olive Oil

1 tsp chilli powder

1tbsp smoked paprika

½ tsp cinnamon

Salt & pepper

Bunch fresh Thyme

SAUCE

¾ cup peach jam

2 tsp cider vinegar

Fresh thyme

2 tsp dijon mustard

2 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic

½ cup of stock

1 & 1/2 tsp Salt

Black pepper

ROAST PEACHES

4-6 large peaches or nectarines (plums and apricots are good too)

2 red onions cut into wedges

Balsamic vinegar

Fresh thyme

Olive oil

Fresh leaves or a hand full dried

Method

• In a large bowl add all the chicken, sprinkle with all the herbs and spices, rub well into the chicken and leave at room temp for an hour or overnight in the fridge.

• De-stone peaches, cut in half, toss in olive oil and drizzle with balsamic vinegar (approx 2 tbs) add the red onion.

• Roast on a lined baking sheet on top of the bay leaves in hot oven 220oC or BBQ until soft about 10 mins.

• Heat a heavy based skillet pan, grill pan or BBQ, place chicken thighs browning both sides well. Put to one side.

• In a small bowl add all the sauce ingredients, mix well.

• Once peaches and onion have roasted, put peaches to one side.

• In an oven proof dish place onion, chicken, pour over sauce mix,

• Reduce oven temp to 180oC and pop dish in oven for 15 mins just to cook off chicken and infuse the sauce.

• Just before serving, pop roasted peaches on top for a further 5 mins or so.

• Serve with a blob of crème fraiche on top.

• Can be served on rice or couscous.

Mayoral Update with Dan Gordon

It’s great to be back for 2025 and I am really looking forward to what the year has in store for us. I had a lovely Christmas with family and friends and have enjoyed ‘staycationing’ around the Waimakariri District.

While it has been a slow start to the summer season, I am heartened by the forecast, it looks like the sun might finally have found us! At council we have certainly hit the ground running.

I enjoyed getting around the district as part of the work we are doing for the Annual Plan. We have commenced our council deliberations on the Annual Plan getting it finalised before it goes out for public consultation in March. As with as with the Long-Term Plan last year, we will be taking a prudent approach. Our focus will be on keeping any rate increases as low as possible while still maintaining the high level of service our residents expect from us.

I recently attended the launch the current Art on the Quay exhibition commemorating 10 years of the Ruataniwha Centre in Kaiapoi. I would encourage everyone to head along and view the exhibition. It is such a wonderful art gallery and a lovely way to acknowledge 10 years of the fantastic Ruataniwha Civic Centre in Kaiapoi.

Cr Brent Cairns and I recently attended and helped judge at the community fun day on the shores of Lake Pegasus. There were some fabulous cars thanks to Canterbury Vintage Car Club. As well as some great model yacht sailing from Pegasus Radio Sailing Club members. I also attended Muscle Car Madness at Rangiora Showgrounds which is a fantastic event in our District. I am a real car lover myself, so I never miss an event. Of course, the other great event for engine lovers is Oxford’s Wheels and Wings (classic car, motorbike and recreational aircraft event) as well as being a fun day out it is also a fundraiser for the amazing Oxford Community Trust and Oxford Lions. I encourage people to pop along to support all these great events in our district.

I also wanted to acknowledge the sad passing of Ian Doody. I attended Ian’s funeral - he was a wonderful member of the Oxford community. Ian’s wife Wendy was a long serving member of our council, and my thoughts are with her and their family and friends at this sad time.

I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance or has an issue that you might want to discuss.

Email me at dan.gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021 906 437.

I’m here to help.

Travel section of the Oxford Club

One of the sections at the Oxford Club is the Travel Section. During the course of the year we organise day trips, and one three or four day tour.

In 2024 we travelled down to Dunedin, through the Catlins to Invercargill, and back through Alexandra and Oamaru. Our shorter trips saw us go to the Court Theatre and the Rangiora Players.

We had a bargain tour of Christchurch, both secondhand shops and food outlets, and in December a Christmas lunch. We also visited the Rakaia Garden Fete. It is a varied itinerary each year and usually something to suit all members.

If you think this is something you might be interested in, and you are a member of the Club, you are welcome to attend our AGM which is being held at 7pm Tuesday 11th February at the Club.

IMPORTANT UPDATE—FACEBOOK

We’ve launched a new Facebook page! Please search for ‘Oxford Community Health Centre OCHC’, and follow our new page for the latest news and updates. Please note: Our old page is still active (unfortunately, we can’t deactivate it), so if you are currently following the old page, we recommend unfollowing it to stay connected with us on the new one. Thank you for your continued support!

STAFF UPDATES

We sadly said goodbye to our Registrars, Dr. Ben Green and Dr. Annthea Lee, in January. We wish them the very best in their new endeavours. Our new GP registrar, Dr. Regan Fernandes, joined us on 27 January. We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the great care he will provide to our community!

HEALTH COACH AND HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PRACTITIONER

Even though we’re already into February, it’s always a great time to set new healthy goals –Whether it’s for your physical or mental well-being.

Our Health Coach, Jan, and Health Improvement Practitioner, Liz, are here to support you every step of the way! These services are fully funded by the Pegasus PHO, and are provided to you free-of-charge!

To make an appointment, simply speak to your provider or contact reception. Let’s make 2025 your healthiest year yet!

AFTER HOURS CARE

Ka Ora Telecare: Mon-Fri 5pm-8pm, 24 hrs on weekends. Call 0800 252 672 or visit kaora.co.nz Practice Plus: Mon-Fri 5pm-10pm, weekends and public holidays 8am-8pm. Call 0800 7722 7587 or visit www.practiceplus.nz. Please note prepayment is required prior to consultation. Healthline: Available 24/7. Call 0800 611 116.

(03) 312 4195 | 39 Park Avenue Oxford, 7495 | FOR ANY MEDICAL EMERGENCY CALL 111

Shared Reading Group

Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School

Nau mai haere mai, nau mai hoki mai, welcome back to a new school year - 2025!

On Wednesday 29th of January, we welcomed back students and staff, as well as welcoming over 60 new students and 9 new staff members to the school community, including 21 International students from Brazil, Germany and Japan. We are looking forward to an exciting year full of new learning experiences where we can grow, learn, and shine together.

Mike Hart

Principal | Oxford Area School

TERM DATES 2025

TERM 1

Number of Weeks: 11

Monday 27th January - Office Opens

Wednesday 29th January - All students return (Day One) Thursday 6th February - Waitangi Day - School Closed Friday 7th February - Curriculum Day - School Closed

Monday 17th March - Kahui Ako Day - School Closed Friday 11th April - Term 1 Ends

TERM 2

Number of Weeks: 9

Monday 28th April - Term 2 Begins Monday 2nd June - King’s Birthday - School Closed Friday 20th June - Matariki Holiday - School Closed

Friday 27th June - Term 2 Ends

TERM 3

Number of Weeks: 10

Monday 14th July - Term 3 Begins Friday 25th July - Curriculum Day - School Closed Friday 19th September - Term 3 Ends

TERM 4

Number of Weeks: 10

Monday 6th October - Term 4 Begins

Monday 27th October - Labour Day - School Closed

Friday 14th November – Show Day - School Closed

Wednesday 10th December - Term 4 Ends

Please note in 2025 and 2026 four days in total have been allocated to schools for professional development in implementing curriculum changes. These are indicated as Curriculum Days.

Vinny Miller - PE and Health Teacher

My name is Vinny Miller. I grew up in Hawkes Bay and attended Hastings Boys High School. After High School I attended Massey University in Palmerston North where I graduated with a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise with a major in Physical Education. I have a strong interest in all kinds of sports and I play rugby, cricket and basketball. I enjoy getting outdoors and getting involved as much as I can with all activities.

Christine Coates - Social Sciences Teacher

Kia ora Oxford. My name is Christine Coates and for the past 16 years, I have lived in the small town of Pirongia (about 40 km's southwest of Hamilton) with my husband, on a very hilly 14ha smallholding. We have decided to have a complete change of scenery and are planning to move to a (flatter!) lifestyle block in the Waimakariri district. A keen horse rider, I will be looking to get involved with some local equestrian groups. I am also interested in reviving my lapsed painting practice amongst the Oxford arts community. Most recently I have been employed at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls for six years teaching junior Social Studies and senior Media Studies. Prior to that I was teaching at St. Paul's Collegiate across a range of art and humanities subjects, including Classical Studies and Art History. I am looking forward to becoming immersed in the life and culture of Oxford Area School and getting to know another part of New Zealand. In all areas of my life I try to keep challenging myself: ‘I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.’ (Pablo Picasso)

Blair Sheat

Ko Aoraki te Maunga

Ko Rangitata te awa

No Timaru ahau

Kei Waikuku Beach ahau e noho ana ināianei

Ko Blair Sheat toku ingoa

Tena koutou katoa

I am excited to be joining the team at Oxford Area School this year with a part time position supporting Whanau engagement.

My career as an educator has been varied but Area Schools hold a special place in my heart. As well as my work at OAS I am Lead Principal of Opuke Kahui Ako which includes 9 schools in the Methven area. Outside of my work I love fishing and boating around our spectacular South Island waterways, and camping at Lake Benmore with friends and family. I am a parent of 3 adult children with my partner, Vick, and live the simple life at Waikuku Beach.

I look forward to getting to know you all better in the near future.

Paige Robb - Team Explore Homeroom Teacher

Kia ora everyone,

My name is Paige Robb, and I am excited to be a part of Oxford Area School! I am a first-year teacher, graduating from the University of Otago. I grew up in the small country town of Roxburgh, and was fortunate enough to attend an Area School, so I know how special a country school is.

My partner is from Darfield, and in our spare time, we love to jet boat the Rakaia and Waimakariri Gorges, and go 4-wheel driving around the country! Spending time with family and friends is really important to us. I look forward to the opportunity to work with the children, families and community of Oxford Area School.

Nga mihi nui, Paige Robb

Glenda Pitcher - Art Teacher

I moved to New Zealand from South Africa nearly seven years ago, settling in Auckland after being offered a Head of Department position at a South Auckland school. Earlier this year, the opportunity to relocate to the South Island presented itself, offering the promise of new adventures and a welcome escape from Auckland's bustling traffic. Mid-year, my husband Simon and I made the move to the serene village of Oxford, accompanied by our three long-haired miniature dachshunds.

Teaching art has always been my passion—it is one of the most stimulating and rewarding subjects to teach. Every day brings something new, and every year feels unique. I find great joy in nurturing the personal expression and creativity of each student, which has been a fulfilling outlet for my own creativity throughout my 25-year teaching career.

Living in Oxford has allowed me to rediscover my own artistic pursuits. Surrounded by tranquillity, I’ve taken up oil painting again and joined the Rangiora Potters Group to reignite my interest in pottery.

Although the winter weather was initially a shock, the arrival of warmer spring days has been perfect for tending to my garden and growing vegetables. Outside of teaching, I am a mother to two adult children and enjoy reading historical novels, horseback riding, and beekeeping.

Jenny Paton-McDonald -Year 7-8 Homeroom Teacher

Kia ora Koutou,

Nō Rangiora ahau

Ko Paton-McDonald tōku ingoa whānau

Ko Jenny tōku ingoa

Hello everybody. My name is Jenny and I am very excited to be invited to teach in our community next year. I live in Rangiora and am coming from Kaiapoi Borough School. I have been teaching for many years and am experienced at managing students and providing fun and relevant learning to grow the whole student. Areas of passion for me in education are maths, Te reo Māori and tikanga, sports and outdoor education, well-being and creativity such as visual and performing arts. I am very keen to meet students and whānau and to teach alongside the current Oxford Area School staff.

I moved to Rangiora many years ago from Te Anau in Fiordland. My parents and son still live there so I travel South frequently to see them. My son is a helicopter pilot and works between Canada and Te Anau. My daughter, her partner and my granddaughter live in Wanaka and they have an irrigation business. They have the best ‘Waste Busters’ store in the country and I am an avid op shopper and bargain hunter. I am also interested in walking and swimming to keep fit and healthy. So long as there is challenge in my life, I am happy. I am honest, hardworking and care about people which is why I am suited to teaching.

I look forward to this next chapter. Come and say ‘Hi’ to me when you see me around.

Ngā mihi

Jenny

www.facebook.com/oxfordarea

Introducing Lily Webster

Kia ora e te whānau, my name is Lily Webster and I am thrilled to be joining the English and Social Sciences team at Oxford Area School. I grew up in a small farming community in North Otago, near Oamaru, before moving to Christchurch in 2016 to study Geography and English at the University of Canterbury. After completing a Master of Teaching and Learning, I began my teaching journey and have spent most of my career at Rolleston College.

I currently live on a small farm in Hororata with my whānau, including a few pet sheep, a pet cow, three cats, and a cheeky sausage dog named Fergus. In my spare time, I enjoy photography, farming, reading, painting, and not-too-strenuous hiking.

I’m looking forward to working alongside such a fantastic team and getting to know the students and wider community at Oxford Area School.

Ngā mihi, Lily Webster

Anya Cockroft -Year 7-8 Homeroom Teacher

Kia ora koutou,

My name is Anya Cockroft and I am excited to join the Year 7-8 teaching team at Oxford Area School. Originally from Dunedin, my husband and I moved to Christchurch earlier this year, and we are now happily settled in Rangiora. Over the past six years, I have had the privilege of teaching in both primary and secondary schools. I bring a "work hard, play hard" philosophy to my teaching and am passionate about making learning engaging and enjoyable. I love creating hands-on, immersive opportunities for students to explore classroom content— especially when it involves something crafty! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, usually over a good coffee, and walking our little pug, Fin. I’m also a keen basketball player and a regular at the Woodend Tavern Quiz. I’m really looking forward to becoming part of the Oxford community. Please don’t hesitate to say hello if you see me at school or around town—I’d love to meet you!

Warmly, Anya Cockroft

Sarah McAllister - Year 1-6 Release teacher

Hello,

My name is Sarah McAllister. I have been teaching for 25 years (between children) throughout North Canterbury mainly in Rangiora. I have been involved at OAS for the last two terms and really enjoy meeting lots of new friendly faces.

I grew up in Rangiora and my husband Craig grew up in Oxford. We have three children, two girls who are currently at CGHS as boarders, and a son who is at Cust School. We are sheep and crop farmers when I am not teaching, which keeps us busy.

Looking forward to being a part of your team in 2025.

http://www.oxford.school.nz/

Wheels with Wings '25

MACHINERY

• Dozers

• Graders

• Dump Trucks and Trucks

• Rollers

• Diggers with Power Clamp

• Mole Ploughing

• Land Clearing/Development

TYPE OF WORK

• Subdivision Earthworks

• Ponds and Dams

• Root Raking

• Tree Felling

• Stump Removal

• Tracks and Driveways

• Water Race Cleaning

GRAVEL SUPPLIES

• AP20

• AP40

• AP60

• Boulders

• Silage Pits etc

• Rotten Rock

• Dairy & Silage pad capping

Oxford

Community Trust

Social Services

Shopper’s Bus

11th February - Rangiora 25th February - Rangiora

$7 - Bookings can be made by calling 03 312 3006

Medical Transport

We have drivers to take you to your medical appointments in Rangiora or Christchurch.

$45.00 Christchurch

$25.00 Rangiora Call 03 312 3006 to book

OxBox

Youth Events

Coming back on 14th February- keep an eye out on our Facebook page for all event information.

Thank you!

Thank you to the Mainpower Community Fund for funding our U-Drive Programme.

Thank you to our fab 4 funders

• Rata Foundation

• COGS

• Lottery Foundation

• Waimakariri District Council

Oxford Community Trust

Responsive to the physical, social, emotional,and ﬁnancial needs of individuals, families and groups of people within the community of Oxford and Districts.

from the Presidents Desk with Oxford Club President Kyle Scott

Welcome to the February 2025 edition of From the President’s Desk.

Time waits for no one and it’s hard to believe that the festive season is over and most of our community are back at work for the 2025 year.

Those of you who have been to our Club recently will have notice some changes and improvements, all designed to enhance our facilities at the Oxford Club.

The High Street beautification project is well under way with the major construction phase completed with plantings and beautification to follow. Thank you to all who have assisted and given their time on this project. These include in no particular order, The Briden family, Kevin Mehrtens, Lay Asphalt Ltd, Ashley Industrial Services, Fraser Mehrtens, Waghorn Builders for the wonderful construction of our fence and pergola and lastly but not least Darryl Hughes. Long standing trustee and Ex President Peter Mehrtens who provided his time and expertise, Trustees Robbie Stevenson and Norm Rowe and Club members Mike Huria and Sludge Reece. Simply without you all the project would not have happened – A big thanks!

The Oxford Club has also replaced some of the older leaners with several aesthetically pleasing and functional wool press bar leaners. All these leaners have been very kindly donated by long standing members of the Oxford Club. To acknowledge their connection and donation their family/farm name has been written on the ends or sides of the leaners using a wool press stencil. A brass acknowledgment plaque is also an option for some donors.

The Club also plans to upgrade some of the existing formica table tops with aesthetically pleasing wooden table tops. This process is all part of the Oxford Club as North Canterbury’s only true rural Club creating a more rural pleasing environment for our members and guests.

Traditionally for Clubs January and February are quiet months as many people’s leisure spend is still recovering from Christmas and New Year. The Club is heartened with the support so far this year but remember there is always something happening at your Club,

The Oxford Club “Support Your Club”.

Our weekly Email blast will give you an information filled run down of what’s coming up at the Oxford Club. If you are not on our Email list, please contact the Club and let our friendly staff know.

That’s all for now, warmest regards and looking forward to chatting to you at our Club soon.

Kyle Scott

Club President

Check out

Museum This summer

SUMMER HOURS

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 1pm - 3.30pm

Sundays 11pm to 4pm

Emergency Services update

Oxford St John with

Mel Brooker

Welcome to 2025 January Oxford Ambulance report.

We have started with the year with a low number of call outs, which is a good thing for the community. Part of the reason for the lower number of call outs attended is because we aren’t able to man the ambulance for a number of these jobs. We really need more recruits for the intake that is taking place after the Oxford Show 29th March 2025. You can either call the station and leave your name and number 03 312 3516, or make yourself known to the local crew at the Oxford Show.

During the summer months (yes it is summer), please look after yourself by being sun smart. Slip, Slop, slap, wrap: stay out of the sun between 10am and 4pm, slip on clothing, slip into shade, slop on Sunscreen, slap on a hat, wrap on sunglasses. Drink plenty of water, especially if you are drinking alcohol. Dehydration can cause many problems. Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is currently causing an epidemic in New Zealand. It is caused by a bacteria which infects the throat, nose and breathing tubes. Symptoms may include a cough that ends with a “whoop” sound, vomiting, and other cold like symptoms. Infants under 6 weeks of age are at highest risk because they are too young to be vaccinated, babies under 1 year often need hospital treatment. Seek medical advice if your child’s cough ends in a “whoop” sound or vomiting, stops breathing, turns blue when coughing, appears to have a cold, then coughs and have difficulty breathing. The ambulance station at Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day. If you require emergency assistance please call 111. Take care out there.

Keep safe and stay positive.

Oxford Fire Rescue

with Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ealam

I hope everyone had a good start to the New Year, although it wasn’t great summer holiday weather. December was another busy month for the brigade with twelve calls. One call was to assist the Cust Brigade at a private alarm activation. In our area the Brigade attended six vegetation or rubbish fires, and only one of them was controlled with the owner in attendance. The most serious of these fires was a plantation fire which started by the re- ignition of a slash fire and the Brigade was assisted by the Cust, Darfield and Swannanoa Brigades. The other was a fire in the Eyre river bed which was started by a mower in a paddock cutting the grass for hay, and we were able to to bring the fire under control with assistance from the Cust and Swannanoa Brigades and also Oxford AG. The other calls were, two to assist St John, two commercial alarm activations which were false alarms and one to investigate smoke in an area which was smoke drifting into the area from the the large fire at Castle Hill. This brings our total calls for 2024 to 111 well up on previous year of 79 calls.

This months message is; At time the of writing this, the prohibited fire season has been lifted, but we are now in a restricted fire season which means you do need a permit to burn even though the previous month was wet. If you are unsure about what you can do, go to the FENZ web site, www.checkitsalright.nz or alternatively call South Com on 033410266. What ever you do please be careful.

Oxford Police

with Jono Stagg

The weather is starting to look up and you should be too. It’s the start of another school year and we will see an increase in children out and about in the mornings. Keep your eyes up on the road and please be more vigilant, particularly when near pedestrian crossings and school buses.

Just a reminder the speed limit for passing a stopped school bus is 20km/h on both sides of the road. Also depending on the category of school 30 – 60km/h past the school, during those drop-off and pick-up times. It has been a busy start to the year an increase in thefts from homes and cars. Remember to lock everything away if you’re going away. There is also a large amount of black rubber appearing on our local intersections. Please report anything suspicious either via 111 (if emergency) or 105 phone or online (if already happened) or by using the rural lookout App.

I’d like to thank the community for getting behind the crime prevention camera initiative, we’re making progress towards this getting up and running in May. It’s also great to see the Community Patrol out there helping to keep an eye on things.

Thanks for your support in keeping Oxford a great place to live.